Release Blitz + Review: "Royally Not Ready" by Meghan Quinn

Today, I'm excited to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Royally Not Ready" by Meghan Quinn.
 

Lilly Campbell lost her parents when she was only 17, and until the day Keller Fitzwilliam showed up at the mobile swimsuit shop she co-owned with her best friend, believed that she had no remaining relatives. She's shocked to learn that her mother was a princess and her grandfather, King Theodore, has requested Lilly's presence in the tiny island nation of Torskethorpe. The monarchy is in trouble and Lilly is the only person who might be able to save it. The very next morning, she's aboard a private jet on her way to meet her long-lost grandparents. Unfortunately, Lilly's safety is threatened when the press in Torskethorpe learns that a potential heir has been located, so Keller, who has been tasked with training Lilly to become the next queen, determines that a detour is in order. Instead of meeting her grandparents, Lilly ends up stuck with grumpy Keller and two bodyguards in an ancient, crumbling castle, enduring the world's most boring princess lessons. The only saving grace is her unlikely attraction to Keller, though he seems determined to resist her advances. After all, a servant has no business getting involved with a member of the royal family. Can Lilly tempt Keller into breaking the rules?

I really enjoyed this funny, emotional, and STEAMY story, though IMO it dragged a bit in the middle and there were a number of times I wanted to yell at both Lilly and Keller. Lilly was delightfully snarky and rebellious, and I loved the way she pushed Keller's buttons from the moment they met. However, it sometimes frustrated me that she was so pushy with him. She didn't seem to understand or care about the lines he'd drawn or why they were so important to him. As for Keller, I loved his loyalty to King Theo and dedication to doing what was best for his country, but it drove me crazy that he held onto his belief that he wasn't good enough for Lilly for so long. I might have been able to understand it if the king had disapproved of their relationship, but Theo was nothing but supportive. 
 

Despite those (relatively minor) frustrations, I'd recommend "Royally Not Ready" for all steamy contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans, especially the enemies-to-lovers and grumpy-sunshine tropes. I look forward to whatever Meghan Quinn writes next.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "Royally Not Ready"

From USA Today and Amazon Charts bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a fresh take on a royal romance with a twist. Laugh out loud funny and full of some of her steamiest scenes yet, Quinn takes you on an unexpected, sizzling fairytale journey.

So there I was selling bikinis out of my truck in South Beach Miami, getting ready to kick off a wet t-shirt contest when the world’s biggest grouch approached me - Keller Fitzwilliam.

The man had the sultriest British accent I've ever heard. And he looked like he just walked off a Viking boat and into a suit tailored specifically for his impressively muscular frame. Only problem is, he had the warmth of an ice pick and he kept telling me he was here to take me back to his home country.

Of course, I didn't follow him. I might be up for a good time, but I'm also educated enough to know leaving with a stranger isn't smart. Well, that's until he mentioned my mom's name. My mom who passed away several years ago.

So after some serious fact-checking, my bikini-clad bum went with him to a sub-arctic country I had never heard of just north of the British Isles, where I found out my grandpa was the king of said freezing country, and I was the one and only heir.

Desperate to learn more about my mom, I decided to give this princess thing a chance.

Good idea, right? Wrong.

Because Mr. Ice Pick was put to the task of training me and he’s not just cold as ice, he’s pompous, aggravating, and possessive. And did I mention we have to share a bathroom in a tiny castle?

We are oil and water every single day and even though he’s training me to be queen, I have this simmering desire to kneel before him.

 

Release Blitz + Review: "The Make Out Artist" by Sara Ney

I'm thrilled to take part in today's release blitz celebrating "The Make Out Artist" by Sara Ney, book #3 of the Accidentally in Love series. Characters from the previous books make brief appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

 

When sports agent Elias Cohen meets Molly Summervale at a party and she perfectly shuts down a woman seeking an introduction to him, he realizes that she might just be the perfect person to help him win a bet with his client Jack's girlfriend Penelope. Eli's convinced that he'll never settle down, whereas Penelope is sure that love is right around the corner for him. The stakes are high, and Eli will do whatever it takes to win, even if that means persuading a reluctant Molly to help him. He just has to avoid falling in love with Molly in the process...

I very much enjoyed this super cute, funny, and sweet story, which featured endearing, relatable protagonists and hilarious banter. Neither Molly nor Eli was looking for a relationship, but they quickly bonded over their mutual workaholic tendencies and formed a genuine friendship on the way to falling in love. They fought their feelings because of trust issues from past romantic entanglements, but their fears were understandable and I appreciated that they didn't try to hide them from each other.

 

I highly recommend "The Make Out Artist" for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans and look forward to the next book in the series.  

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "The Make Out Artist"

From USA TODAY bestselling author Sara Ney comes a new series about strong, single girls falling in love: accidentally.

Love finds you when you least expect it.

That’s what my nan always said. Love? I wasn’t looking for it so how will I know when I’ve found it? I’m not romantic like she was—I’m realistic and practical. Quick with my wits and hilarious when I’m in the mood, it’ll take more than a handsome face to win my affection.

Speaking of handsome faces—Elias Cohen is nothing special (no offense); smug, arrogant. Too flirtatious for his own good.
He won't charm me with that crooked smile and dimple in his chin.

When Elias comes knocking on my office door during a house party after I play wingman for a friend, I'm tempted to slam the door in his face. But I don't.
Because if there's one thing I am, it's curious.
And wouldn’t you know it—Elias needs a favor. Begs for one, actually.

He might not be able to make me swoon, but he does need a wingwoman. 

 

Review: "Mending the Perfect Marriage" by Bella Ricks

Mending the Perfect Marriage by Bella Ricks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm a big fan of "after the HEA" stories, and "Mending the Perfect Marriage" by Bella Ricks was one of the best ones I've ever read. Main character Candace Clark is so incredibly relatable, as are the issues she's facing in her nearly decade-long marriage to Fitz. The author did a fantastic job of presenting the subject with sympathy and humor, and the book's overall message was on point; marriage takes work, and communication with one's partner is key. While I wouldn't normally cheer for a couple to (temporarily) separate, Fitz clearly needed a wake-up call, and I loved his sweet efforts to show Candace not only that he was sorry, but that he would do better in the future.

I highly recommend this book for all sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. It was the first book I've read by Bella Ricks but definitely won't be the last.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

TW: pregnancy; infertility; miscarriage

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Review: "Farm to Mabel: The Complete Duet" by Krista Sandor

Farm to Mabel: The Complete Duet by Krista Sandor
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I'm generally not a fan of duets (because cliffhangers), but Krista Sandor could re-write the phone book and I'd probably read (and love) it, so when I found out that she was re-releasing the Farm to Mabel duet as a single volume, I was all in! I'm so glad I gave this duet a chance because I absolutely adored it.

The first couple chapters of book 1, "Farm to Mabel," were honestly heartbreaking as protagonists Mabel Ruth Muldowney and Callan "Cal" Horner struggled to come to terms with the sudden death of Mabel's older brother Jamie, who had been Cal's best friend. Jamie was the only person who ever really understood and supported Mabel, and without him, life with her stoic farmer father in the tiny town of Elverna, Illinois was no longer bearable. When the story picks up four years later, Mabel has relocated to New York City and is trying to make it as a fashion and lifestyle influencer known as Bella Mae. Unfortunately, her dreams are shattered when she's outed as a fraud and she's forced to move back home to Elverna to regroup.

Meanwhile, Cal's been back in Illinois doing his best to implement his late best friend's plans to turn the town into an organic farming haven, but marketing efforts for their new farmer's market haven't exactly paid off with customers. When Mabel returns, she accidentally talks her way into a job developing a marketing and PR strategy for Elverna's farmers co-op. It's not exactly her dream job, but the money is her ticket out of town. The only problem is that she'll have to work closely with Cal, the head of the co-op, to develop and implement the plan. Mabel and Cal were close as kids but haven't gotten along since they were teenagers, when he pushed her away for some unknown reason. Can they overcome their animosity for the sake of the town?

The chemistry and tension between Mabel and Cal were fantastic from the start. I could practically see the sparks between them flying off the page! Once they stopped fighting each other and started working together, their relationship was ridiculously cute, and I found it very easy to root for them to overcome the obstacles that stood in the way of their eventual HEA. In addition, I loved how much each of their characters grew over the course of the two books, as well as the plot twists that kept me guessing until the very end.

In summary, Mabel and Cal's story gave me all the feels, and I highly recommend it for all contemporary romance and romantic comedy fans. I can't wait to get my hands on whatever Krista Sandor writes next.

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Release Blitz + Review: "Always You" by Claudia Burgoa

Today, I'm pleased to take part in the release blitz celebrating "Always You" by Claudia Burgoa, book #3 of the Luna Harbor series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone.

Brianna Connolly and Fernando Cantu met when he was assigned to show her around and give her safety tips when she arrived for her freshman year at NYU, where he was a rising junior. They quickly became best friends and then roommates the following year. Their relationship was always platonic with the exception of a drunken kiss shortly after Nando's college graduation, but they mutually decided not to go any further because they didn't want to risk losing their friendship. Years later, Brianna has reluctantly settled into managing the chain of bed and breakfasts she inherited from her late mother, while Nando has become a famous relationship expert and temporarily relocated to his hometown of Luna Harbor. He's working with his siblings to manage their grandfather's businesses while he's in Seattle for cancer treatments, as well as to rehabilitate the struggling town. When they need an expert to consult on their plans for a new inn, Brianna is the natural person for them to ask for help. Unfortunately, arriving in Luna Harbor makes her realize just how far apart she and Nando have grown, and she wonders if their friendship can be saved. At the same time, he finally realizes that he's been in love with her since the day they met. Can he convince her to give him a chance?

Brianna and Nando were so cute together! They had more or less been a couple for years but each fought their feelings because they were scared of losing their friendship. Ironically, they almost lost their friendship anyway because they grew apart before they finally opened their eyes to what was right in front of them.  

 

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Always You" and recommend it for all contemporary romance fans, particularly anyone who enjoys the friends-to-lovers trope. I look forward to the next book in the series. 

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

About "Always You"

From USA TODAY bestselling author Claudia Burgoa comes a new emotional friends-to-lovers, small-town love story.

He promises love for a living.
But does he believe in happily ever after?

Nando is a self-proclaimed love expert.
Women believe he’ll deliver Mr. Right, and for the right price, he will.
Then there are the women who throw themselves at him, thinking he’s the one.
Who wouldn’t? He’s tall, delicious, and handsomely wealthy.
They think he’s perfect.

I know better.

There’s more beneath his irresistible charm and good looks.
He’s the guy who’ll fly across the country when things get too hard for me to handle.
He’s not only my three a.m. call, he’s my voice of reason.
He’s also my best friend.

I know all his secrets—even the ones that torment his heart.
Being in Luna Harbor with his family is torture.
When he asks me to help his family in their plans to rebuild the town.
I immediately say yes.

In exchange, I ask him to give me some dating lessons.
One kiss. Two hot nights and I can’t seem to stop wanting him.
Suddenly our friendship and my heart are at risk.
Should I extinguish the fire between us or see where this will take us? 

 

Release Blitz + Review: "Never Fall for Your One That Got Away" by Kate O'Keeffe

I'm happy to join the release blitz celebrating "Never Fall for Your One That Got Away" by Kate O'Keeffe, book #4 of the It's Complicated series. Characters from the previous books make appearances in this one, but it reads as a complete standalone.

Tabitha Greene and Noah Grant dated for over a year as teenagers, but she ended the relationship before leaving for university because of pressure from her wealthy family and friends. It's been twelve years since their breakup, and Tabitha now runs an art gallery in London which is backed by her father. She's attending a wedding one evening when she unexpectedly runs into Noah and quickly realizes that she's never gotten over him. After hiding out in her flat for the weekend and hoping that the encounter was a fluke, Tabitha heads to work on Monday morning only to find that her assistant has booked her an appointment with an art consultant who turns out to be none other than Noah. His client is interested in a piece by an up-and-coming artist who will only work with Tabitha, necessitating a road trip to a town a short distance from where they grew up. Sparks fly between them once again as they work together, but the family pressures that caused them to break up when they were teenagers remain a challenge. Will Tabitha's family stand in the way of her happiness once again?

This was such a cute story! Tabitha and Noah's second chance romance was super sweet and I found it very easy to root for them to overcome all of the obstacles that stood in their way. In addition, I really enjoyed Tabitha's journey of self-discovery and growth over the course of the story. She had started to make positive changes in her life even before Noah came back into it, but his reappearance was an additional catalyst for her learning to stand on her own two feet. She was justifiably proud of what she had accomplished with the gallery and proved that she could make it on her own without her parents' financial support.
 

Overall, I loved "Never Fall for Your One That Got Away" and highly recommend it for all fans of sweet contemporary romance and romantic comedy. It was the first book I've read by this author, but it won't be the last.

 

*Review copy provided by the author/publisher via Wildfire Marketing Solutions. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

About "Never Fall for Your One That Got Away"

If life gives you a second chance with the one that got away, should you take it?

Noah Grant was my first. He was the guy who went from childhood friend to teenage love. The guy I spent one heady, intoxicating summer with, only to have my heart snapped in two—not by him, but by me.

Fast forward twelve years and just when I think I’m finally over Noah, he’s back. Older, wiser, hotter.

Definitely hotter.

Work throws us together, and there’s no avoiding him, even if I wanted to. And I don’t want to avoid him, although I know I should.

But Noah’s hiding something. And if I let myself get close, could his secret break my heart all over again?

Never Fall for Your One that Got Away is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy rom com with a second-chance-love, a totally swoony guy, and sweet romance. As with all the books in the It’s Complicated series, this is a closed-door romance with some incredible kissing and all the feels. It is a full-length novel and can be read as a standalone story. 

Release Blitz + Review: "Trial by Fire" by M.E. Carter

I'm delighted to participate in the release blitz celebrating "Trial by Fire" by M.E. Carter, book #2 of the Florida Glaze series. Characters from the previous book make appearances in this one, but it works well as a standalone. 

Nick Williams loves his job as a professional hockey player for the Florida Glaze but hates all of the media attention that goes with it. It's only gotten worse since he was named Tampa's most eligible bachelor a few months ago. As if that weren't bad enough, his team's management has started to enforce the provision in his contract that requires Nick to make himself available for interviews and public appearances, starting with the team's annual charity gala. His twin sister Delaney insists that he needs a date for the gala, so she sets him up with her new friend, hotel heiress Prestyn Caine. After Nick and Prestyn bond over their shared dislike of the spotlight and prior bad experiences with dates who were mostly interested in their money, she proposes a friends with benefits arrangement. It's not long before their intense chemistry gives way to real feelings, but neither is prepared for the consequences. Will Prestyn and Nick be able to walk away from each other without getting hurt, or will at least one heart get broken in the process?

The chemistry sizzled between Nick and Prestyn from the moment they met, but their emotional connection grew quickly too. They had a unique understanding that transcended a typical friends with benefits arrangement, and before either of them knew what had happened, they were falling in love. I adored their witty banter as well as the fact that they were such likeable, three-dimensional characters. As a poetry-loving introvert, Nick was nothing like a "typical" hockey player, and Prestyn wasn't a "typical" heiress, either. She worked hard and genuinely wanted to contribute to the family business, though her family and horrible boss (her older brother's best friend) didn't make that easy. For that reason, the resolution of her story arc was immensely satisfying to me even if it didn't happen in quite the way I predicted.

Overall, I very much enjoyed "Trial by Fire" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.

 

*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

 

About "Trial by Fire"

Chemistry this explosive can’t stay hidden for long…

Prestyn Caine doesn’t want to be known as a “hotel princess.” She wants to be recognized by the men in her family for who she is - a strong and confident business woman. Instead, she finds herself banging on the glass ceiling her great-grandfather put in place long ago. As if that wasn’t enough, her one foray into dating ended with her accidentally being the “other woman.” Needless to say, her faith in men is dwindling quickly.

Nick Williams hates wearing the title of Tampa’s Bachelor of the Year. He shies from any additional publicity of being a professional hockey player. Even dating without being hounded by the media doesn’t seem like a possibility. It doesn’t help to discover the untoward way his sister’s marriage fell apart. Any ability he had to trust others is quickly evaporating.

Still, despite the tumultuous way their paths cross, Prestyn and Nick have an undeniable attraction. With their busy careers and mutual disdain for the spotlight, a no-strings attached non-relationship is an ideal setup for both of them.

As long as they can keep their feelings in check, it doesn’t matter how much things heat up… right?